Parsley Celery Apple: Fresh Juice and the Cupbearer's Dream

Juicing is not only a modern trend but also a practice with deep historical roots, evidenced from ancient texts, including the Bible. In many of the biblical Scriptures, the act of pressing fruits and extracting juice symbolizes abundance, health, and divine provision. Divine provision is God supplying what is needed, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and situationally. At the right time in the right way and according to His wisdom and care. This juice recipe harnesses the vibrant flavors of parsley and apples, and offers a delicious way to invigorate the body, and spirit.

Ingredients:

6 large celery stalks, chopped

3 small pink lady apples, cored and chopped

3 large cucumbers, rinsed and chopped

1/2 bunch curly parsley

1/2 small beet, chopped

1/2 medium lemon, cut, skin washed and left on

*Ginger root would have been nice but I was out.

After juicing all the ingredients, filter the juice. Makes about 6 cups of fresh juice and about 2 cups of juice pulp.

If you would like a recipe for using the pulp, I'll be sharing a link here soon for our mostly raw crackers.

I recently upgraded my juicer to a Nama and absolutely love it. I can now do other things while the juicer churns and does the work for me. That little extra time I get allows me to start the clean up and do other kitchen tasks. Perfect for busy moms like me.

The Cupbearer's Dream I imagine in ancient times, juicing would have been the norm. They just didn't 'have the fancy equipment we have today. Eating more raw was probably pretty normal too. Since our Rabbi Jesus walked all over Israel, He and his disciples were more often than not, eating the original fast food, fruit!

Did you know that the Bible talks about juicing? Amazing right? I'm still digging deep into the Scriptures for more nutritional insights but the one below came from Genesis, when the chief Cupbearer tells Joseph his dream while they were imprisoned. For the full story, I highly recommend reading the entire chapter.

I was holding Pharaoh's wine cup in my hand, so I took a cluster of grapes and squeezed the juice into the cup. Then I placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand." ~Genesis 40:11

In Genesis 40, after Joseph was sold as a slave and then imprisoned for something he never did, the Pharaoh threw his Cupbearer and Baker into the same prison Joseph was kept. A cupbearer was someone who served as the Pharaoh's trusted wine steward whom tasted, guarded, and delivered his drink. He was a high ranking official whom oversaw the vineyards and ensured the wine's safety. The Baker had a similar royal duty but for the Pharaoh's baked goods.

The two had dreams that confused them but were vivid enough to question them aloud. God gave Joseph the power of knowledge and prophecy to interpret both their dreams. The Cupbearer dreamt about a vine with three branches that produced ripe grapes and were squeezed into the Pharaoh's cup. The Cupbearer said he placed this fresh juice into the Pharaoh's hand. Joseph interpreted the three branches as three days after which the Cupbearer would have his job restored.

"This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." ~Luke 22:20

The Baker dreamt he was carrying three baskets of white bread on his head. In the basket were baked goods for the Pharaoh, but birds were eating from it. Joseph explained that the three baskets were also three days in which the Pharaoh would execute (or behead) him. Three days later, Joseph was right! What he had explained to them came to pass. The Baker was executed and the Cupbearer returned to his job.

"I am the Bread." ~ John 6:35

Bread and wine represent Jesus' body and blood through execution and restoration. The story of Joseph runs deep. The outcome of the Cupbearer and the Baker were never meant to be written as only Jewish story about Joseph's future rise, moral refinement, or Israel's redemption . It was prophecy about the coming of a true Messiah. It foretold about Jesus Christ and the salvation that only He could provide to all, through his willing execution. Because of what He poured out we can heal and live! That is the best food anyone can take in and accept.

Many people juice today because of what it can provide nutritionally and physiologically. Juicing could also be a reminder of the spiritual food we can receive from God's Word from stories such as with Joseph. If you pray and look for Jesus in the Old Testament, you will surely see him there. Juice on and God bless!

written by Lupita Ronquillo, founder of Vegan Health and Yoga